What can be done?

Hire Union Contractors

Developers like Noah Properties have a choice when hiring contractors - hiring contractors with the type of track records that have been documented on this website, OR, hiring contractors that are signatory to collective bargaining agreements and are committed to safety training, providing personal protective gear to workers, and the higher wages, health insurance, and retirement benefits guaranteed by Union agreements.

A list of construction unions in the Chicagoland area can be found here.

Implement Pro-Worker & Pro-Community Policies

Municipalities can protect workers, communities, and tax dollars by implementing policies for construction projects under their jurisdictions. The State of Illinois and dozens of municipalities have implemented 'Responsible Bidder Policies' that guarantee that responsible contractors win projects, rather than contractors who cut corners in the areas of training and safety.

Include Pro-Worker & Pro-Community Language in Redevelopment Agreements

Municipalities can include language in the redevelopment agreements (agreements signed by both developers and the municipality that outline what each party must do under the agreement; used often for TIF) that ensures developers comply with goals set by the municipality. These could include:

• Local jobs for local residents, including Women, Veterans, People of Color, and Individuals with Disabilities.

• A construction timeline and other construction standards that protect the community and that must be followed.

• Safety standards that protect construction workers and the community.

• Climate friendly options such as LEED Certification for the buildings, native trees and plants, charging stations for electric vehicles, etc.

• Apprenticeship and training requirements for construction workers.

• Hiring of MBE, WBE, Veteran owned, and Persons with Disabilities owned companies.

• Contractor compliance with all local, state, and federal laws.